A Thought Experiment: Earth's Militarization Against Thanos's Invasion Force

Is there a Marvel Universe where Earth became militarized to the point where conventional militaries can defend against Thanos's invasion force in Endgame? If not, let's dive into a thought experiment on how that would play out.

Clarification: Objective of Thanos' Army

Before we delve into the hypothetical scenario, an important clarification is necessary. Were the primary objective of Thanos' army in Endgame to claim a completed Infinity Gauntlet, or is it now to invade and kill half of everyone on the planet the slow way? If the former, the scenario we will explore might be different. The latter situation implies a massive loss of innocent lives, both noncombatants and combatants alike.

Modern Military Capabilities: Could Earth Defend Itself?

Under the assumption that Thanos seeks to claim the Infinity Gauntlet, let's consider if Earth's conventional militaries could withstand an invasion similar to the one depicted in Endgame. The modern US military, with its advanced technology and sheer firepower, might be capable of fighting off the invading forces.

The key components of the Thanos' invasion fleet include: Q-ships (which are not fantastically durable), landing ships, and the Chitauri leviathans. While the Chitauri leviathans would present a significant challenge, modern fighter jets, such as the F-22 and F-35, could potentially neutralize them. Cruise missiles from ships or ground launchers could also deal with these behemoths effectively.

The Sanctum II: The Biggest Threat

The most significant threat is the Sanctuary II, Thanos's flagship. Under sustained attack by fighter jets or ship-launched cruise missiles, the Sanctuary II might be brought down. However, it is highly probable that multiple nuclear weapons would be necessary to neutralize it completely. Such an outcome would end the invasion but comes with significant negative consequences, including the destruction of the invading ships and potential collateral damage on Earth's surface.

Infinity Stones: A Looming Threat

Even if the Earth's military could counter Thanos's invasion force, the presence of the Infinity Stones presents an insurmountable challenge. As Doctor Stephen Strange demonstrated, the Infinity Stones have capabilities beyond the reach of conventional military might. Had Strange not orchestrated the timely assembly of all the stones, the battle would have been lost. Without the means to open portals and teleport teams of experts to the battlefield swiftly, even the combined might of Earth's militaries could not have responded in time to turn the tide.

Conclusion: A Grim Reality

In a scenario where Thanos seeks to claim the Infinity Gauntlet, Earth's conventional military might could potentially fend off the invasion. However, if Thanos's objective is to kill half of the planet's population, the loss of life would be staggering, and the modern military might not be able to fully deter the threat. The addition of the Infinity Stones adds an extra layer of complexity, ensuring that only extraordinary measures could overcome the invading forces.